Philippines and Japan signal defence pact’s depth via aid to quake-hit Cebu

The Philippines and Japan have activated their new defence pact through a joint mission focused on delivering humanitarian aid following the deadly earthquake in Cebu, in a move that analysts say can lay the groundwork for deeper security cooperation in the region.

The deployment marks the start of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), a landmark deal that allows troops from both countries to conduct joint exercises on each other’s territory. Signed in July 2024 and in force since September 11, the pact is widely seen as part of a broader push by Tokyo and Manila to strengthen their security ties amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

By undertaking the non-military mission, Tokyo and Manila are also aiming to ease regional concerns about their agreement, according to analysts.

Thirty personnel from Japan’s Air Self-Defence Force have been deployed to an airbase in Mactan, Cebu, along with its KC-130H aircraft, while the Philippines has provided a C-130H military transport aircraft and a UH-1 helicopter to support relief efforts. The five-day operation, dubbed “Doshin-Bayanihan 5-25”, began on Tuesday and will run until Saturday.

The mission follows the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu on September 30, which killed at least 72 people and injured nearly 300, according to Philippine disaster officials.

Arsenio Andolong, a spokesman for the Philippine Department of National Defence, said the mission’s focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief was one of the key areas of cooperation under the agreement.

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